"I felt strongly that not appealing the show-cause order was the right thing to do, and coach Pearl wholeheartedly agreed we should not contest it," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement Tuesday. "When I decided to hire coach Pearl, I was well aware of these restrictions and their ramifications. Coach Pearl and I both respect the process and we will fully honor the show-cause until it expires in August."

Auburn did not respond to requests by AL.com Monday after Slive's comments were made at the Associated Press Sports Editors Southeast Regional meeting in Birmingham.

Pearl's show-cause stems from an NCAA investigation into a cookout at his Knoxville home in which he hosted three recruits during his time at Tennessee. He lied to NCAA investigators during the inquiry.

“When I received my show-cause penalty from the NCAA in August 2011, I chose then not to appeal as it would lessen my position of accountability, " Pearl said. "Auburn University, the SEC and the NCAA have given me an opportunity to return to coaching before my show-cause ends and I am grateful. I have confidence in our coaching staff’s ability to present Auburn University and its men’s basketball program until my show-cause ends Aug. 24, 2014.”

Pearl is forbidden from contact with recruits until the end of his show-cause penalty.

Auburn had 30 days to appeal the NCAA's show-cause penalty in a
letter to the committee on infractions. Slive said Monday he spoke with Jacobs and did not expect an appeal to be filed.

"My understanding is they are not doing anything about it," Slive said.

"Bruce is an energetic guy who brings a lot of enthusiasm," Slive said Monday.
"He and I have had our moments, as I think all of you are aware, and I
think there's a lot of excitement that he's back in the league."

Pearl led Tennessee to the NCAA tournament every year during his six-season tenure, including two Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight finish.

Pearl replaced Tony Barbee, who failed to reach the postseason in his four seasons at Auburn.